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it did not matter how much is done, as not everyone will be happy with the decision. If the project <br />has impacts, the question is whether the impacts are worth it and can they be mitigated significantly <br />enough to balance bringing the property into the City. Other jurisdictions do not have the impacts <br />Pleasanton has, and to her, the question is whether or not the Council wants to lose Staples Ranch. <br />If the Council concludes it can do nothing, they are saying the project doesn't belong in the city at <br />all. The County has an obligation to its population and the Council's are similar; to consider the <br />benefits. This property is an asset to the County and we should be honest about whether we want <br />to partner or acknowledge that the impacts are too great. She felt there was a way to work it out. <br />Tracey Miller felt the Council's promise to fix the regional traffic plans of SR 84 and I-580 should be <br />completed prior to opening Stoneridge. <br />Nancy Allen felt Stoneridge Drive extension should not be done just because someone will pay for <br />it, what matters is extending the roadway only if it is in the best interests of Pleasanton. She <br />believes Stoneridge Drive should be extended because 1) it improves traffic flow even in the short <br />term; 2) it gets cars off side streets; 3) extending Stoneridge Drive with Staples will reduce traffic <br />times, pollution; 4) Stoneridge is part of a larger plan and there are negotiations going on. The <br />agreement should be signed so connection to Livermore and Dublin Boulevard is built. There also <br />should be some commitment with SR 84 before the building would happen. <br />Dave Walden supports the entire project; Stoneridge Drive, Staples Ranch, and thinks it is about <br />time to make this happen. <br />Eileen Armstrong opposed Stoneridge Drive extension. <br />Cindy Cook asked the Council to uphold the MOU. and not allow the Stoneridge extension until <br />regional traffic mitigations are in place. She has a call to action for the Mayor to re-introduce the <br />initiative of an East Side Plan before any major development is considered in this area. She said <br />her daughter has discussed the topic with her fifth grade class and she read a letter into the record <br />regarding what would happen if Stoneridge Drive is extended. <br />Eric Strickland requested the Council hold the commitment made to time the Dublin Blvd., I-580 and <br />SR 84 prior to the extension. <br />Laura Olson, Chamber of Commerce, urged the Council to include the full build out and completion <br />of Stoneridge Drive to EI Charro Road as an option in the Staples Ranch Development Final EIR <br />and related planning documents. She cited benefits of the project, said there has been ample <br />technical study, and said the Chamber will help to turn the attention of the entire region to the <br />ultimate expansion of SR 84 for the benefit of Pleasanton and the entire Tri-Valley. <br />Rick Aschenbrenner, CEO, Continuing Life Communities, said they plan to own and operate the <br />senior component of Staples Ranch, there are over 100 Pleasanton seniors who have made cash <br />deposits to reserve a place at Stoneridge Creek and 400 more in surrounding areas, and some <br />were still present who raised their hands. In response to Mayor Hosterman's questions about delay <br />of their project, Mr. Aschenbrenner noted they would have been in place two years ago had they <br />not been delayed politically. <br />Steve Dowding questioned the County of Alameda's deep affection for the City of Pleasanton such <br />that it is willing to give the City $6 million. <br />Naomi Jones urged the Council to vote yes on the Stoneridge Drive extension to EI Charro Road <br />City Council Minutes Page 9 of 17 February 24, 2009 <br />